The Park District of Forest Park this week released a preliminary image of the new playground planned for next spring. Local children were invited in the past weeks to select their favorite playground equipment, including a "standing seesaw," twirly "whirlwind seat" and a spinning "merry go-all."

The playground will be divided by a path into big-kid and preschool sections. The new swing set will have two regular-size bucket swings, as well as two toddler and two accessible swings.

Additionally, the park's gazebo will be torn down and replaced with two structures: a 16-square-foot gazebo and a 32-square-foot gazebo, which will shelter a picnic area, according to Recreation Supervisor Rachel Entler.

"There will be new, padded landing areas and mulch and there is also a new proposed entry way," Entler said.

@Amy -the park district had basketball hoops for decades but there were concerns that they were starting to attract the wrong kinda people so they took them out and put in the skateboard thing about 5 or so years ago. They put the fence around the soccer field for the same reasons

Taxpayer from Forest Park

Posted: March 12th, 2013 3:36 PM

@Amy, why don't you ask Tom Mannix where the plans are for teens at the park. After all, that was one of his three campaign promises.

Amy Turilli from Forest Park

Posted: March 12th, 2013 3:14 PM

"Big kid" section? I don't see the basketball hoops. That's what big kids like to play. Forest Park has enough kiddie parks. It also has tennis courts, a swimming pool, a soccer field, baseball, a skateboard park and even sand volleyball. Why no basketball, Forest Park?

Emilie LeBlanc from Forest Park

Posted: March 6th, 2013 4:32 PM

Looks great, FPPD. Cannot wait to spend lots of time there this summer!

A FOREST PARK RESIDENT AND STILL YOUNG AT HEART PERSON. from FOREST PARK IL.

Posted: March 6th, 2013 11:35 AM

This is wonderful for the kids. Hey! Kind of wish there were equipment like this for some of us Kids at heart.

Katie Hull Redmond from Chicago, Illinois Facebook Verified

Posted: March 6th, 2013 10:33 AM

This looks awesome! Thanks to the Park District for allowing us to participate in the process. Can't wait!